The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Platelet-rich plasma injections for osteoarthritis of the knee, in May 2014.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is the result of progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage and menisci of the joint. Articular cartilage deteriorates because of trauma and wear and tear. This leads to exposure of the bone surface. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty walking.

Treatment depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis. Conservative treatments include analgesics and corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation, and physiotherapy and prescribed exercise to improve function and mobility. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be indicated: options include upper tibial osteotomy and unicompartmental or total knee replacement.

W90.3 Injection of therapeutic substance into joint

Y53.2 Approach to organ under ultrasonic control

Z84.6 Knee joint

X36.8 Other specified blood withdrawal

In addition a code from the ICD-10 category M17 Gonarthrosis [arthrosis of knee] would be recorded.

This guidance represents the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, healthcare professionals are expected to take this guidance fully into account. However, the guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.

Commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to implement the guidance, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. Nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.

Commissioners and providers have a responsibility to promote an environmentally sustainable health and care system and should assess and reduce the environmental impact of implementing NICE recommendations wherever possible.

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Platelet-rich plasma injections for osteoarthritis of the ...

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